Page 230 of Banter & Blushes

Struck by the intricate details in the woodwork, she smiled at the large steps of the porch. “I’m in love.” As soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted the choice. “I mean…” she wasn’t sure what to say after.

“I just may be, too.” He whispered as his two cousins appeared at the open door at the same moment. Both were about ten years older than her, she’d guess. The taller one had her gray hair freshly permed from the salon and was wearing an old-fashioned day dress. The other had silver ringlet curls and was wearing gray slacks and a pink linen button up shirt.

“JOHNNY!” They both greeted him in unison. Then with beaming faces, they bypassed him, going straight to his friend. “Hi!” Their voices were filled with the enthusiasm of children.

“Hello,” she held out her hand. “I’m Elva and I love your home.”

“Oh,” the taller one gushed, “We know who you are. I’m Beatrice and this is my younger sister, Agnes. We are so glad you are here.” Her left arm wrapped around Elva and guided her up the stairs. “Would you like to have your lemonade on the porch or in the formal parlor? “

“The porch is fine with me, but please don’t go to any trouble.” She felt welcomed and at home instantly.

“Nonsense. You just sit down and put your feet up.” Then turning to Mitch, Beatrice smiled. “Johnny, can I show you something that needs fixed real quick… inside?” She turned her head to indicate she needed to speak to him alone.

Laughing he shook his head, “sure. Agnes be nice.” He instructed, leaving her with Elva on the front porch.

“I don’t know why he thinks I wouldn’t be nice?” She looked at Elva. “I love your dress. And your hair is so cute!”

“Oh, well, thanks. I like your hair. Are those natural curls?”

Pulling a spiral down, it instantly sprang back up. “Natural as the day I was born.” She looked around, making sure her sister and cousin weren’t back yet. “So… what do you think about dating our Johnny?”

“Excuse me?” She was so surprised by Agnes’ directness she couldn’t help but laugh.

“Come on. We know he’s sweet on you. In all our years, he’s never brought a woman to meet us. Not once.”

Her eyebrows raised in surprise. “Never?”

“Never, ever!” She said louder than she meant to.

“Never ever, what?” Mitch appeared behind her with his arms crossed in front of him, looking all the grumpy gruff his daughter alluded to.

Elva and Agnes exchanged a look and then both spoke at the same time trying to salvage the situation.

“Have I seen a porch-“

“As beautiful as Elva!” Agnes finished, not making any sense.

“Uh, huh?” His eyebrows lifted.

“Nice save, Ag” Beatrice laughed, carrying a tray of refreshments onto the porch. The wooden tray held glasses, a large pitcher of lemonade, along with cookies and finger sandwiches.

“You made cookies?” Mitch’s tough exterior melted, settling into the rocking chair next to Elva and grabbing a cookie from the tray.

“Hey,” Beatrice snapped, swatting his hand away, “those are meant for our guest.”

“I’m your guest.” He sat looking confused.

“Not really,” Agnes looked from him to Elva. “We like her better,” she teased, offering the plate of cookies to her.

Elva could help but join in the teasing. Turning her attention to Mitch she smiled as her eyes caught his. “So, tell me about Johnny as a boy.” She knew Agnes wanted to share.

His nose wrinkled at being called Johnny. It was one thing for his cousins to do it. They called him that from the time he was a toddler. But no one else ever used that name. Ever. “I think there are plenty more things we could talk about.”

“How about this beautiful house? How did you come to run it as a B&B?” She looked from one sister to the other.

“That’s a boring story,” Agnes swatted away the air. “Tell us all about you, Elva.”

About me?”

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